In Memoriam Prof Sterling

J.A.L. Sterling - In Memoriam

17 April 1927 – 29 November 2020

Of Middle Temple, Honorary Member, BLACA, Consultant to Lamb Chambers, Professorial Fellow, Queen Mary Intellectual Property Research Institute, Queen Mary University of London

John Adrian Lawrence Sterling was a colossal figure in the advocacy and teaching of copyright law and policy. … He commenced his copyright journey by joining the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI), London, as Assistant to the Director-General. Eventually working his way to become the Deputy Director-General of IFPI, Adrian’s work would entail making representations on copyright and related rights to Governments and NGOs throughout the world including attending landmark copyright Conferences ranging from the Rome Convention (1961) to the WIPO Internet Treaties (1996). After stepping down from IFPI in 1973, Adrian began the second major stage in the journey namely resuming practice both in Sydney and in London, specialising in national and international copyright law and data, and of course publishing ... The third stage, and perhaps what he enjoyed most, was when he became a copyright teacher at the age of 65 years. He was appointed first to Queen Mary University of London and then subsequently also to King’s College, London. … His main legacy is the generations of academics, students and practitioners, who were imbued with his unique expertise and his unwavering enthusiasm for copyright. He was unabashedly dedicated to his students and helped many of them to become established and recognised professionals in their fields. In return there is so much affection for him around the world. 

An electronic book of condolences is now live. Please use this to write your condolence and share your memories of J.A.L Sterling. These will be published on the QMIPRI website.

This is a summary of the full In Memoriam for Professor Adrian Sterling, with permission, which can be accessed here.